The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published its final rule on determining whether land is considered highly erodible or a wetland. This final rule follows a focused effort by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve consistency and use of science in making determinations. This follows an interim final rule that was published Dec. 7, 2018, after which …
The Online Build-up of the Census of Agriculture
USDA’s most prominent online producer survey has grown. According to a story from Rod Bain, it is expected to continue to do so, thanks to innovation. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage ResearchOctober 3, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Acts As Catalyst For Timely ResearchSeptember 26, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities For Research Not Found ElsewhereSeptember 19, 2025
USDA Forecasting More Net Cash Farm Income for 2020
A new forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes farm income across the country this year will be higher than it was in 2019. USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson has the new numbers. Johansson says USDA lowered its estimate of 2019 farm income. USDA notes direct government farm payments, including federal aid, are forecast at $37.2 billion, a …
Registration Ongoing for UGA Cotton/Peanut Research Field Day
By Clint Thompson Registration is ongoing for the University of Georgia Cotton and Peanut Research Field Day, scheduled virtually for Sept. 9. Those interested in learning more about two high value row crops can also register on the Georgia Cotton Commission website and the Georgia Peanut Commission website. The field day will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at noon. …
USDA Launches Strategy to Continue Conserving the Gopher Tortoise and its Critical Habitat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released its new 5-year plan to conserve the Southeast’s threatened gopher tortoise by focusing on the conservation and restoration of its key habitat, the longleaf pine forests. Acting NRCS Chief Kevin Norton told Southeast AgNet the fate of the gopher tortoise is linked to habitat quality, and efforts …
More CFAP Funding Possible After Labor Day
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week hinted at more Coronavirus Food Assistance Program aid for farmers could be on the horizon. Perdue confirmed that the Department of Agriculture is considering “shortly after Labor Day” offering a second wave of CFAP relief during a press call. Funding for the next round of payments would come from the additional $14 billion Congress …
USDA/EPA Announce Next Generation Fertilizer Challenges
On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a joint EPA-USDA partnership and competition to advance agricultural sustainability in the United States. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of …
Investigating Farmers to Families Food Box Program
The House Coronavirus Crisis subcommittee seeks data on the Farmers to Families Food Box Program from the Department of Agriculture. Committee Chair, Representative James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, made the request in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Clyburn cited concerns of “questionable contracting practices, a lack of accountability, and a failure to deliver food to many …
More Funding for Food Box Program
President Donald Trump announced on Monday an additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box program. The Department of Agriculture announced the program earlier this year, along with $3 billion in funding to help farmers and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, USDA purchases food from farmers, then local distributors pack and deliver the boxes to …
Annual Field Day Provides Growers Chance to See Research in Action
The annual University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton and Peanut Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 9. While it will be a virtual event this year, the Georgia Cotton Commission and Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) encourage growers to attend and learn about the latest research regarding both row crops. Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman, believes field days are an …